This Spectacular Fjord In Canada’s Gros Morne National Park Feels Like Being In Norway
It’s no secret that there are many beautiful places in Canada to visit. Lush forests, glistening lakes, and towering mountains are just some of the landscapes this gorgeous country is home to. While taking an epic road trip through Canada that covers its most breathtaking National Parks is a surefire way to see great scenery, you might have to put in a little extra planning to visit this spectacular fjord in Gros Morne National Park that will make you think you’ve been transported to Norway.
Planning a trip to this Canadian National Park for scenic outdoor adventures may require extra effort, but the views of the sky-high fjords that rise out of the water are definitely worth it. On the western part of the province of Newfoundland, Gros Morne National Park is home to Western Brook Pond, Canada’s lookalike version of the Norwegian fjords that were carved out 1.2 billion years ago by glaciers during the last Ice Age.
Gros Morne National Park is the perfect place to experience breathtaking hiking adventures. Getting to see the majestic Western Brook Pond fjord from the water is one of the best ways to appreciate the sheer size of the cliffs towering above you, reaching up to 2,000 feet high. Seven communities with their own culture and history are located in the southern, central and northern areas of the park. Whether you want to do challenging multi-day hikes, or leisurely family-friendly trails, you’re bound to come across some local Newfoundlanders who will talk your ear off while sharing engaging stories about their province.
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The best way to explore Western Brook Pond fjord
Fjords rising high out of the water – zhongyugan/Shutterstock
As stunning as Newfoundland is, it certainly doesn’t receive as many tourists as other Canadian provinces, such as British Columbia or Ontario. The additional logistics into planning how to visit all the beautiful remote places that Newfoundland has to offer could be a contributing factor, however one look at a photo of Western Brook Pond fjord is enough to make it worthwhile.
Located in the Northern part of Gros Morne National Park, Western Brook Pond can be reached by booking a flight that lands at Deer Lake Regional Airport, which will put you a 30-minute drive away from the park’s entrance. If you have extra time on your hands and don’t mind a seven hour non-stop drive, land in St. John’s International Airport and make the 403-mile drive to the park entrance. Breaking up that long journey into two days might be your best bet, with a stop in Gander, known for its hospitality during 9/11 when US airspace closed down and Gander took in 38 international flights and its passengers.
A scenic coastal drive along Highway 430 will take you past tiny villages until you reach the parking lot for Western Brook Pond. From here, you have numerous options to explore the fjord that range in accessibility levels, as well as cost. You can view the fjord from the dock, which consists of a one-mile trek each way, book a five-hour boat tour with BonTours, hike to the top of the gorge, or reserve a spot in advance with Parks Canada to challenge yourself to a three or four day traverse over the vast landscapes.
Other helpful information to make your fjord visit memorable and what others have to say about visiting
A boat on the water with mountains in the background – zhongyugan/Shutterstock
Looking for something to eat? At dockside, you can grab a nice lunch and enjoy the views while taking a seat on one of the many benches before continuing on your visit to the fjord. Hours of operation vary depending on time of year, so for an up to date schedule, it’s best to visit the Park Canada official website. Keep in mind that the gravel trail to the dock is not wheelchair accessible, but thankfully, at the visitor information center, all-terrain wheelchairs are available for those that need them.
You’ll require a guide, which can cost upwards of $200 per person, to do the Western Brook Pond trail, however if you want to do it without a guide, you’ll require special permission first and need to reserve weeks in advance. If you plan on jumping on a boat tour, Newfoundland gets chilly, especially on the water, so bring warm clothing or jackets even in warmer months.
Regardless of the price to enjoy the fjords from the water, Tripadvisor users were thrilled with their experiences. “The 2 hour boat tour is well worth your time when you are in the park.” “Excellent experience! Incredible scenery and history! Boat was comfortable an[d] safe.” “Breathtaking. Unbelievable formations. Well worth the money. 3.5 km moderate walk into the boat. Golf cart also available for this, not able to walk. Dress warm. Enjoy the nature that surrounds you. Great crew.” Blake Snow recently wrote on the Standard-Examiner website, “Western Brook Pond doesn’t just rival Norway’s fjords. In many ways, it surpasses them.”
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